Ifunanya Nwangene, Abuja-based singer, popularly known as Nanyah, has died after suffering a snake bite at her residence on Saturday.
The singer was said to have sought emergency care at two hospitals but was allegedly denied treatment due to the absence of anti-venom.
Amemuso Choir, music group, where Nwangene was a member, confirmed her death in a social media statement, describing her loss as devastating.
“Amemuso Choir regrets to announce the sudden demise of our beloved soprano Ifunanya Nwangene who passed away yesterday, 31st January 2026 at Federal Medical Centre due to a snake bite,” the statement said.
“A rising star, Ifunanya was at the cusp of sharing her incredible talent with the world. Her voice and spirit will be deeply missed.”
Sam Ezugwu, music director of Amemuso Choir, confirmed that he learned of the emergency after seeing a distress post on the late singer’s social media page.
“It was yesterday when I saw a post on her page asking if anyone is near FMC. So I called the person with her to ask what happened and they told me Ifunanya was bitten by a snake,” Ezugwu said.
He explained that he rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, where he met Nwangene in critical condition.
Ezugwu said doctors informed him that two anti-venoms were required, but only one was available and had already been administered.
“So I had to go 10 minutes away to Skylark Pharmacy near National Hospital to get the second one,” he said.
Ezugwu said tragedy struck while he was returning to the hospital with the anti-venom.
“As I was driving back to the hospital with the anti-venom, her friend who was with her called me and said Ifunanya had died. She died at 12:20 pm.”
He added that hospital officials maintained that treatment commenced immediately upon her arrival at the FMC.
Ezugwu, however, said delays earlier in the day may have worsened her condition.
“From what I know, after she was bitten by the snake, Ifunanya went to a hospital in Lugbe and they said they don’t have anti-venom. So she took a Bolt to FMC,” he said.
”The distance is about 30 minutes. She was still active when she got to FMC and narrated what happened to them. She even described the type of snake to them.”
According to Ezugwu, a medical doctor later told him that the venom had already spread by the time she reached the FMC.
“What pains me the most is why a hospital like FMC will not have the required treatment. It is really so sad,” he said.
Ezugwu also disclosed that Nwangene’s family requested that her remains be transported to Enugu state.
Following her death, videos circulated online showing a man holding a long black snake allegedly captured inside her apartment.
Her passing has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians criticising the country’s emergency healthcare response and the lack of essential life-saving drugs in public hospitals.
